Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Wednesday (day 76)

Good evening all. Shawna continues to improve by God's grace. The improvements don't seem to be as noticeable. We have to concentrate real hard now as to what she hasn't done. She seems to swallow quite well now its almost back to the point where it is a reflex action. I've only been giving her small amounts of water and ice chips. Shes been bribed that if she gets good at it the next thing is choclate pudding. Our nurse is currently trying to contact a music therapist who was recommended by a blog reader (thanks a bunch). Shawna went on tuesday(rather unexpectedly for us) to get her first serial casts which are removable. Its a bit of a pain at first because they are on for an hour off for a half untill they are sure there is no pressure points and then they stay on for 24 hour stretches. The physiotherapist continues to work with her here and is getting good results. He is very pleased with her right arm strength and asked us to now keep working with her left arm to get it to the same condition. Shawna has moved her thigh muscles and calves and feet voluntarily. We have also seen her stretch which moved almost all her muslcles including lifting her arms off the bed. That was very exciting! One of the physiotherapists at Chedoke spoke with Deb about Shawnas possible stay at chedoke and explained the various ways they would stimulate her. When she spoke about strapping Shawna on a bycicle which would at first turn the pedals for her till her reflexes took over, Shawna was wide awake staring at the lady as she was explaining the proceedure. Deb says Shawna smiled after being told that. I know she's put many miles on her bike in the past even going several times from dunnville to Hamilton for school. Getting the house ready to have her home may have taken on a new angle if she goes to Chedoke as they have said they would teach us to how to take care of her on the weekends and would like to send her home on the weekends. This was beautiful news to us. It may still be quite a while but Chedoke said they would rather see her sooner than later as she is starting to connect with her muscles. We continue to pray that all the infections will be gone as that is the thing that will stop her from going there. What blessings we receive from God's hand each day. We continue to be amazed by His work in Shawna and we continue to stand by her supporting and nuturing her as she continues to improve. Thankyou for your continued prayers and messages. Al and Deb

10 comments:

Brandy said...

Wonderful news! Thank you for your dedication in keeping us up to date:) May God continue to bless you and keep you all. His grace is sufficient for all our needs and He continues to supply above and beyond what we deserve:) Keeping you in my prayers,
Brandy VanderLei

TBH said...

Dear Bethlehem family and other loved ones:
Good news that Shawna may be going to Chedoke for rehab. They do very good work there, we've heard. What a blessing that our health care system is so good for severely injured people such as Shawna, although we love to complain about long waits to be seen in the ER for our (usually) trivial concerns.
Please keep the updates coming, many people that do not know you keep Shawna and her loved ones in their prayers because they read every word you post. Thank you for opening your lives to us. All the best!

Anonymous said...

Im so happy to hear that Shawna is doing so well. It's still going to be a long road, but the advancements she has made are amazing, truly a gift from God. We continue to keep all of you in our prayers. God Bless!!

Alisha & ryan

Anonymous said...

Its great to hear the progress Shawna has made! It is amazing on how far she has come! Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Thanks for the continuous blogs.
May God blessings surround you with his loving care and guidance.

Shawn and Monica

Anonymous said...

It must be wonderful to see Shawna smile in response to what she hears. She must be trying so hard! We continue to hold you up in our prayers. The Lord has blessed you with faith and eyes to see His goodness even in the midst of trials. We look forward to every blog.
Bob and Freda and family

Andy and Tina said...

Dear Bethlehem family and loved ones of Shawna:
How wonderful it is to read the blog every time, and to see so much improvement in Shawna's condition. I could not help but smile when I read about the bycicle rides from Dunnville to Hamilton. I remember a group of kids doing this(including our grandson). They would get to Guido early enough to fit in a game of soccer or basketball before school would start. Such energy! We pray daily that the Lord will continue to grant complete recovery to Shawna in His time. May he give you the trust and patience as you go on each day guided by His loving care over your lives. With love from the van Ykens.

Anonymous said...

Dear Bethlehems,
Thank God Shawna is improving! Thank you for keeping us informed. May the Lord comfort you and strengthen you. My prayers are with you,
Meagan Bremer

Jess said...

GO SHAWNA GO!
Even though I'm all the way out in Fergus and it doesn't work for me to come a keep you company through the night. I still think about you often and I'll be back before you know it. Keep on working those muscles.
I'll see you soon Shawna keep up the great work! Lots of love Jess Bartels

Anonymous said...

Bethlehem family and friends:

It's great to hear of Shawna's continued progress. You've all come a long way! Wishing you all God's strength and patience in what lays ahead of you in His almighty plan; as we remember you in our prayers.
Tim&Deanna VanPykeren&family

Kristen Alyssa Buist said...

Uncle Al & Aunt Debbie;
It is so amazing seeing all the progress that Shawna is making, it is truly a blessing.
You are in our prayers continually, and may God be with you in the days ahead.
love,
Kristen Buist